Film Lens
The Strangers focuses on the experiences of migrant workers at the Zhongli train station in Taiwan, a location that becomes a gathering point during weekends and holidays. The film reflects on the historical context of migration, particularly the influx of millions of Chinese soldiers and civilians to Taiwan in 1949, who are referred to as 'displaced persons'. Yuan's father was among these immigrants, a refugee from the civil war, which adds a personal dimension to the narrative.
Using a high-speed camera and a high-lumen spotlight, Yuan captures the faces of individuals waiting on the platform from a moving passenger car. This technique allows the strangers to appear as sculptures, frozen in time, emphasizing their transient existence and the notion of being a stranger in a foreign land. The film combines personal history with broader themes of migration and identity.
Why Watch
- •See the faces of migrant workers at Zhongli station.
- •Find out about Yuan's father's refugee experience.
- •Meet the strangers captured as sculptures in time.
Did You Know
•In 1949, millions of Chinese soldiers and civilians migrated to Taiwan.
•Yuan's father was a refugee from the civil war in China.
•The film has a runtime of 6 minutes.
•The Zhongli train station is a key gathering place for migrant workers.
Perfect For
Migrant worker storiesTaiwanese historyCivil war refugees